The hip joint functions as one of the most important joints in the human body. Designed for both mobility and stability, the hip allows the entire lower extremity to move in three planes of motion, while providing an important shock absorption function to the torso and upper body. view

Hip fractures are breaks in the upper part of the thigh bone (femur) and are the second-most common break in the human body after wrist fractures under the age of 75 years and the most common fracture after 75 years of age. view

A hip dislocation is classified according to the direction of the dislocation (anterior, posterior, superior, inferior), the amount of force it took to dislocate the hip, whether it is accompanied by a fracture (fracture/dislocation), and whether or not the patient has had a previous hip replacement on the affected side. view

Compartment syndrome is an orthopedic emergency. Thigh compartment syndrome occurs when the pressure in the front, back, or inner thigh compartments rises above the blood pressure needed for the heart to pump blood to the thigh. view

A hip/thigh strain, by definition, is an injury to a muscle or muscles around the hip and thigh. These injuries can be caused by one specific injury, such as a fall or while playing sports, or by repetitive micro-trauma over time, often referred to as overuse injuries. view

THIGH FRACTURES

Pathology

Thigh bone (femur) fractures usually occur in younger patients after high speed injuries such as motor vehicle and motorcycle accidents. The femur will break into two or more pieces, depending on how bad the injury is. X-rays show the break, its location and pattern. A physical examination is important to check for injuries to other structures, such as muscles or nerves.

Treatment

Fractures of the thigh bone are usually complete fractures and often require surgery. Surgery ensures that the bone is aligned in the correct position and that the patient can begin to put weight on the leg immediately. This surgery used to be done with long incisions and plates and screws. Now special slender metal rods can be placed inside the bone through small incisions. Therapists work with the patient the next day after surgery to start moving the hip, working on strengthening the muscles around the hip and leg, and to begin walking again. Once the fracture is healed, most patients are able to return to their activities with or without limitations, based on their pre-injury level of ambulation and function.